Game Info
Houston Texans vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Sunday – October 18 – 12:00 pm CT
TV: CBS
EverBank Field – Jacksonville
With both teams sitting at 1-4 and coming off consecutive losses, something will have to give this Sunday at Everbank Field as the Jacksonville Jaguars play host to the Houston Texans. This will be the first meeting of two for the AFC South division foes, the second matchup is scheduled for the last week of the regular season.
Texans coach Bill O’Brien has been disappointed with the effort given by his defense all season. With perhaps the game’s most dominant player at their disposal, J.J. Watt, the defense has allowed 27 points a game and surrendered a shade under 340 total yards of offense on average. “Everybody on defense, coaches and players alike, we just all have to do a better job of doing whatever our job is” said O’Brien.
He may be focused on the defensive effort, but some attention should be given to an inconsistent offense as well. Brian Hoyer looks to get the starting nod over Ryan Mallet at quarterback. Whomever the signal caller will be on Sunday, he will be better served handing the ball off to Arian Foster, who has battled a groin injury until recently. In his absence, Alfred Blue filled in nicely, rushing for 226 yards. The departure of the franchise all time leading receiver, Andre Johnson, seems to have sapped all life out of an ineffective passing game.
Blake Bortles is questionable for the Jags. The second year pro has passed for 1,299 yards and 10 touchdowns this year. He has received a solid effort from his receivers, mainly Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson. Although he saw bigger holes running behind the Crimson Tide offense the last three years, T.J. Yeldon is running tough for the Jaguars. The rookie has gained 294 yards in the four previous games on the ground.
Jacksonville coach, Gus Bradley will need his also much maligned, yet young, defense to play better this week. Tampa was able to move down the field, lead by rookie QB Jameis Winston to a tune of 38 points. Keeping the Texans in 3rd and 7+ will be the key this Sunday of for the Jaguars defense.
PREDICTION: Jaguars 27 – Texans 24
